ƒ/5 at 1/80 sec ISO 200

The first draft of my artistic statement reads as this,

“Discovering my subconscious self from the exploration of my creativity, while effectively connecting with the viewer, conveying singular moments and creating awareness.”

It was a bit unimaginative, businesslike, and selfish. This wasn’t a promising start. I spent the next month redirecting myself as a photographer and as an individual.

While redefining, a concept had my proverbial gears turning. Through photographing and the images themselves, I wanted to create community between myself, the viewer, and the next viewer.

I feel as if you, the next person, and myself are equal artists of my own work.  If I disconnect myself from the act of photographing I can view it in third person, with you. Your perspective of my “art” is valuable and if I can place myself in a position to view it with you and give that value a chance to be heard, then I can be in a type of community with you.

Your interpretation will be as valid as mine, because with art it is about what it means to you just as much as what it meant to the artist who created it.

Also, while photographing it is important to me that I respect the value of the individual or subject matter.

I wanted a purpose that connects everyone together with creation/themselves/others.

So new my statements grew out of these initial thoughts.

My Statements

as a photographer

create awareness of social injustice

honestly share moments of joy, pain, faith, strength, struggle, etc.

experience before I shoot

edify not offend, give back not steal

challenge my perspective

as an artist

honest with what is reflected

seek for myself within the photograph

hear the voice of the subject

recognize the connection between you and me

You and I are equal artists of my work.